A Donor Discussion and A Lesson on Giving

For the growing number of folks I have told that I have become an egg donor, it's almost comical to hear their reactions to it. Most people don't think it's a good thing to do- their decision made mostly out of ignorance on the subject.

I'm not calling you ignorant. Read on.

Why did I really start to do this? Okay kids, story time.

Once upon a time in a far away land one of my dearest friends married her sweetheart. She wanted to start the family within a few years. Once settled in their first home, they decided to start trying for a baby. And they tried. And tried. And tried. No baby.
I never wanted children. Not any time soon anyway. I had a career which needed grooming, life settling that needed to be done- and children were not a part of that plan. But life had a different itinerary. In a few quick moves found myself married and a mother of one. All before my best friend had her first. What agony.
That's when it came to me. Why is that there are people out there that desperately want children, who deserve children, but cannot have them? Cancer patients in remission have barely a chance of getting pregnant. Folks with other medical concerns are also in the same bucket. I told my friend that came hell or highwater we were going to get her a few kids, even if it took my uterus to do it!

On the day my friend was to seek more advanced medical advice to conceive, she found out she was pregnant. But the seed had already been planted (no pun intended) in my head. I wanted to help others.
So, after an application modeling that for your top secret clearance entry, genetic testing, every other testing possible, I was approved.
Even though my best friend never needed help (she now has two darling children) it has made me thrilled knowing that others can now be happy.

Painful? Not really.
Surgery? No.
Do I think there are 50% "Me's" out there? No. It takes two to tango.
Will I be able to have more children if I so choose? Absolutely.

And a message from your local fundraising professional and friend:

If you do nothing else, give. Give to something you believe in. You don't have to give body parts (really, don't go crazy), but give of your time, your knowledge, your wallet to something that you are passionate about. And if you don't know what that is, take a moment to reflect on something you couldn't do without. Then think of someone that may not have it. Education. Health. Basic services. Job assistance. Clothing. Food. It's always a great base to start your philanthropic efforts.